The National Esports Championship 2022 (NESC2022) kicked off on Monday, 18th April 2022 with the Esports Federation of India (ESFI) set to select the Indian team for the Road to Asian Games (RDAG) Regionals and the subsequent 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou.
The NESC2022 is held under the RDAG program – a joint initiative by the Asian Electronic Sports Federation and Olympic Council of Asia. Over 200 top esports athletes from across India will compete for a chance to make the national team in five popular titles – DOTA 2, HearthStone, FIFA22, Street Fighter V and League of Legends.
Tirth Mehta, who won a bronze medal when Esports was held as a demonstration sport at the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta and Palembang, is a top contender in the single-player titles. Mehta will be hoping to make the team for his second Asian Games as esports makes its debut as a medal sport. He will contend with 13 other athletes in the HearthStone national qualifiers.
“I am really excited for the National Championship. I know all of us have been practicing and preparing at our best, and I’m sure that whoever goes on to represent India at the Asian Games will aim for a podium finish,” said Mehta.
Vinod Tiwari, President, Esports Federation of India and Director, Olympic Council of Asia, NOC and International Relations, said “The overwhelming response and the excitement we see among our esports players to be part of the Asian Games gives us the confidence that they are aiming for something really big.”
“They want to take national pride, give a tough challenge to the world and make the country proud. With their unmatched skills, Indian esports is expected to reach new heights. I wish the best for all the players,” he added.
The National Championships will be conducted online owing to the COVID-19 pandemic.
